DA congratulates UDC on winning outright majority in Botswana’s national election

The Democratic Alliance (DA) would like to congratulate His Excellency, Mr Duma Gideon Boko, leader of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), on winning Botswana's national election.

The UDC's triumph ushers in a new political majority and a new government for Botswana, a monumental political shift after 58 years of rule under the outgoing Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).

This development signals a wave of change in the Southern African region, where the once dominant political parties of independence and liberation, are gradually being replaced by parties campaigning on the promise of delivery and a better future.

The days of the African political fraternity are finally giving way for the days of healthy African democracy and the will of the people.

The DA also welcomes the peaceful transfer of power from the outgoing BDP to the UDC, and we commend outgoing Botswanan President, Mokgweetsi Masisi, for his statesmanship and magnanimity in his defeat.

At the core of stable democracy lies a sense of public trust in political office bearers, and we welcome the adherence to this principle by all parties in Botswana.

We further congratulate the Republic of Botswana on a peaceful and successful election, and wish His Excellency, Mr Gideon Boko well in his new role under Botswana's new government.